Every year hundreds of older people fall and hurt themselves. Falling at home can result in serious injury and being admitted to hospital.
In the UK falls are a major cause of disability and death, due to injury in older people aged 75 and over. Most falls can be prevented.
You have recently had a fall but did not require admission to hospital. The Falls Team may contact you following your attendance at the Accident and Emergency Department.
There are several risk factors of falling which include:
- If you feel dizzy or light-headed when you stand or turn.
- If you have difficulty walking or rising from a low chair or bed.
- If you have poor balance.
- If you have fallen before.
- If you are taking four or more medicines.
- If you suffer from depression or memory loss.
- If you are anxious about falling again.
- If you have poor eyesight or hearing.
- If you have a cluttered or poorly lit home.
There are several things that you can do to reduce the risk of further falls:
- Have your medications reviewed each year.
- Keep your rooms at home free from clutter.
- Remove loose rugs and trailing wires from the floor.
- Have your eyesight and glasses checked every two years.
- Tell someone that you are having falls, such as your GP, practice nurse or district nurse.
- Avoid taking alcohol when taking medications.
- Ensure that your diet is rich in calcium and Vitamin D, both of which are essential for healthy bones.
- Keep as active as possible to keep your muscles strong.
For further advice or information about your falls please contact the Falls Team on (0191) 445 3843, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm. They will be able to help prevent further falls and offer you further assessment if needed.
For further advice on information about bone health or osteoporosis, please contact the Fracture Liaison / Osteoporosis Nurse Specialist on (0191) 445 3841, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:00am to 3:30pm.
Fracture Liaison / Osteoporosis Nurse Specialist
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday
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